Residents of Zoggu have praised a social protection outreach team after a community engagement programme focused on healthy living, social inclusion and access to healthcare services.

The outreach organized by the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection in collaboration with the Local Government Services brought together residents for discussions on issues including good community behaviour, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, gender equality and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Officials from the National Health Insurance Scheme also took part in the exercise with free registration and renewal of health insurance. As part of the outreach, the team educated participants on responsible behaviour and healthy lifestyles, while also providing free NHIS services such as card renewals, replacements for lost cards and new registrations.

Young people, especially adolescent girls, were urged to remain focused on their education and future, while boys were advised to stay away from drug abuse and to use only medication prescribed by qualified health professionals.

Facilitators also cautioned against the use of cigarettes, shisha and snuff, saying the substances contain harmful chemicals that can damage the body and affect future prospects.

The team placed strong emphasis on the need to include persons with disabilities in community life. Residents were encouraged to treat them with dignity and respect and to support their participation in social and economic activities.

Traditional leaders, children, young people and other residents described the programme as useful and educational, and called for similar initiatives to be held regularly in the community.

By Mariam Alhassan